5kW Solar System Price in Adelaide
Reviewed by
Leigh McInerney
As electricity prices keep on rising and the costs of solar systems decrease every day, solar power presents a more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and reliable energy solution for homeowners in Adelaide, Australia. For numerous homeowners, the 5kW solar systems stand out as the go-to option because they meet the needs of the typical household perfectly.
If you plan to install solar panels and have a medium to large household, 5kW should be the perfect size. You will spend an average of $6,034 to install a 5kW solar system. This cost is inclusive of the solar rebate.
The Federal and South Australian government solar and battery rebates have made solar power affordable to all types of households.
The table below shows the average cost of a 5kW solar power system in Adelaide.
| Solar System | Size | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kW in Adelaide | 1kW | $1,838 |
| National average cost per kW | 1kW | $1,767 |
| 5kW solar system price in Adelaide | 5kW | $6,034 |
What is the rebate amount of a 5kW solar power system in Adelaide?
Solar power in Adelaide is quite affordable due to the federal government and the South Australian government’s state rebate. The rebate on a 5kW solar system in Adelaide is currently $1,886. This will reduce each year until 2030 when the rebate program officially finishes.
Below are the solar panel rebates you will receive for your 5kW solar system.
Federal Government rebate scheme
If you live in Adelaide, SA, you will receive the Australian government solar rebate.
The rebate is provided through an initiative called the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
All eligible SA residents receive their respective rebates by claiming the small-scale technology certificates (STCs), which are tradable certificates for a discount on your solar system.
The rebate amount you receive depends on the size of your solar system, the STCs the system receives based on your STC zone, and the current STC value in the market.
A 5kW solar system receives 48 STCs in Adelaide.
So, if you are eligible for the rebate, and a Clean Energy Council accredited installer installs your solar system, you will receive a rebate of $1,886Â for your 5kW solar system. Your inverter should also be CEC approved.
Further reading: SA solar rebates
South Australian battery rebate
The South Australian government’s Home Battery Scheme provides up to $6,000 for battery installs. This amount will be higher for low-income households installing solar and battery systems.
The SA government has set aside $100 million to assist in installing home battery systems for SA homeowners. This scheme is available to more than 40,000 households.
The installation of solar batteries will reduce the demand on the network, thus lowering energy prices for SA residents.
Adelaide feed-in-tariffs
In Adelaide, SA, it is usually the solar retailer that determines the feed-in-tariffs you receive for the excess solar power you send to the power grid.
Solar retailers in SA offer between 12c/kWh to 16c/kWh, which is higher than what other retailers offer in most states.
How much power does 5kW solar systems in Adelaide generate?
The average power output for a 5kW solar system in Adelaide is 21.5kWh, which is enough to offset the electricity usage of your entire household.
There are several factors that may affect the power output of your solar system. These include:
- Your location
- weather/climate
- Shading from trees and buildings
- The roof/solar panel orientation
- The quality of the solar system and inverter
Purchasing a high-quality system and inverter ensures you get optimal results. You will also get a good ROI within just a few years.
How many solar panels does a 5kW solar PV system have?
A 5kW solar system in Adelaide is made up of between 12 to 18 solar panels. The exact number of panels depends on the quality and wattage of the solar panels you purchase.
As solar panel technology continues to improve over time, this number could even be lower.
How much roof space does a 5kW solar system need?
Most solar panels measure about 1.6m x 1m. So, you will need between 20m2 to 30m2 of roof space depending on the wattage of the solar panels you install.
What is the best roof pitch for maximum exposure in Adelaide?
Ideally, the tilt of your solar panels greatly affects the output of your solar panels.
In Adelaide, and Australia in general, a roof pitch of 30 to 40 degrees is ideal for maximizing the power generation of your system year-long.
A higher roof pitch ensures you get more power even during the winter months.
How much can a 5kW solar system save me in Adelaide?
A good quality 5kW solar system in Adelaide can save you about $350 to $500 per billing cycle or about $2,000 per year. The lifetime savings of the system can add up to $50,000 or more.
However, the actual amount your 5kW solar system can save you depends on how much energy you use among other factors. These include:
Your daily energy usage
A while back, solar feed-in tariffs were the main source of incentives for solar panels for Australian homeowners. This has changed over the years as more and more people embrace solar power.
Now, the best way to get the most out of your solar system is by using most of the energy your system generates.
If you use most or all the power generated by your 5kW solar system, you will get a faster ROI and optimum savings. However, if you are not able to use all your power, and send the excess power to the grid, you will earn credits of about 6c/kWh to 16c/kWh.
Climate
This comes down to the sunshine hours the panels receive per day. Luckily, Adelaide is fairly sunny throughout the year, and winters are mild. So, your solar panels can receive a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year.
Roof orientation
The best roof orientation to generate the most power in Adelaide is north. This orientation will help you make significant savings especially if you use most of your power during early mornings or late afternoons during peak hours.
East or west-facing roofs can also give you significant savings.
What is the average payback period for a 5kW solar system?
A 5kW solar system in Adelaide can pay for itself between 2.5 to 4 years. This will however depend on your electricity usage. The less power you send back to the grid, the less time it will take for your system to pay for itself.
What can 5kW solar power systems run in Adelaide?
A 5kW solar system can run several appliances including solar air conditioners, fans, lights, TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, water pumps, etc.
With a hybrid or off-grid solar power system, your equipment can run for more than 12 hours.
Here is a load reference for a 5kW solar system, suppose you install an off-grid system.
Off-grid 5kW solar system load reference
| System | Quantity | Load-rated power | Total rated power usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lights | 8 | 11W | 88W |
| Computer | 2 | 150W | 300W |
| Refrigerator | 1 | 120W | 120W |
| Fan | 2 | 80W | 160W |
| Fax machine | 1 | 150W | 150W |
| Printer | 1 | 250W | 250W |
| Air conditioner (2HP) | 1 | 1,500W | 1,500W |
| Electric cooker | 1 | 300W | 300W |
| Washing machine | 2 | 300W | 600W |
| Microwave | 1 | 1,000W | 1,000W |
| Water pump | 1 | 200W | 200W |
| Colour TV | 2 | 100W | 200W |
| Satellite TV receiver | 1 | 25W | 25W |
| Total | 4,893W | ||
Note:
*This is just a reference example. Your load can be more or less than 5kW
*air conditioners, water pumps, and refrigerators are inductive loads, which means they use 3 to 6 times power when they start working. So, when using, ensure you turn off the inductive load first.
What kind of household does a 5kW solar system suit best?
A 5kW solar system is best suited for medium to large homes using larger amounts of power.
If you have a large pool, teenage kids, washers, dryers, reverse cycle air conditioning, and computers among other equipment, and an electricity budget of more than $350 per billing cycle, a 5kW solar system would be an excellent size for you.
Should I consider a larger system?
5kW systems are great middle-of-the-range systems best suited for Australian homeowners with average to large electricity needs.
However, if you are looking to offset your energy costs, and have enough roof space, you could consider a 6.6kW solar system.
5kW solar system with battery storage in Adelaide
Solar batteries are needed for a full off-grid or hybrid solar system. You’ll need to install a 14kWh battery system to complement a 5kWh panel system.
You will pay about $12,500 on average for a 14kWh battery, but depending on where you live, you may be able to offset that with a solar battery rebate or an interest-free loan.
So, how much does a solar battery cost?
On average, a good quality Tesla Powerwall 2 lithium ion solar battery costs $14,000. This battery comes with a 10-year warranty and can take up to 20 years to pay for itself.
A 5kW solar energy system would need a 14kWh battery system. So, in total, your 5kW solar system with a 14kWh battery system would cost between $19,500 to $25,000 to install.
How to find a good solar company in Adelaide
With the many solar companies in the industry, it can be quite challenging to find a reliable installer. Here are a few tips to guide you during your search.
- Do a detailed search on the web and identify a few potential companies.
- Delve deep into all the companies you select. Visit their websites and check out their reviews, ratings, and testimonials.
- Get at least three quotes
- Select the solar company that meets the qualities you want, and your budget.
- Make sure the company is insured, licensed, and accredited by the CEC.
- Check whether the panels they install are also accredited by the CEC.
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FAQ's
Some of the top solar panels in Adelaide include:
- LG
- Trina
- QCELLs
- Longi
- Jinko
- Seraphim
- Risen
- Suntech
All these solar panels cost differently depending on their quality and brand.
Yes. Adelaide, and South Australia in general, is an excellent climate for solar, receiving an average of 8 sunshine hours per day.
This would depend on your daily power needs. If you use about 20 to 22kWh of power per day, and are looking to offset your electricity bills, then a 5kW solar system would be perfect for you.